Overview & Reviews

Most people know that Mazda builds sporty cars. But for some, it's the company's history of building true sports cars with lightweight rotary engines that sets it apart from the competition. The Mazda RX-8 was one of these models, and it enjoys the distinction of being the only one with a four-door configuration, providing reverse-opening rear access doors and a genuinely accommodating backseat. Sold from 2004-'11, the RX-8 didn't change much during its lengthy run.

The heart of the Mazda RX-8 is a 1.3-liter rotary engine with a thrilling 9,000-rpm redline: that is, if you can find one with the six-speed manual transmission. The available six-speed automatic was limited to 7,500 rpm, yielding about 10 percent less horsepower. With either transmission, torque from the rotary engine is very modest, and shoppers should note that this engine is known for both significant oil consumption and poor fuel economy. But with its perfectly balanced weight distribution, sharp steering and svelte 3,000-pound curb weight, the rear-wheel-drive RX-8 is one of the best-handling cars ever made.

User Reviews:

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  Very good so far - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By BJSloth - March 8 - 2:00 am

  My RX-8 is very fun to drive and sure beats my old Neon... Acceleration is amazing and handling is superb. I bought Red which is beautiful.

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  High Bar Setter - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By spooledUP7 - March 4 - 12:50 pm

  This car sets the bar high for fun with comfort and style. Once you drive this car for a while you will find it hard to imagine finding a car that can replace it. I know because this is my second RX-8! This car is so easy to drive that you forget it is a sports car except at the pump. My daily commute is 33 miles round trip and I get around 17-19 MPG consistently which isnt bad, but it isnt great. Expect 21 MPG on long hauls going 75-90 MPH which to me is fantastic at those speeds. I have taken it on the track and it makes easy work of corners, but compared to my 93 RX-7 it feels softer (and slower), but more predictable and better balanced . Cant wait for the next one!

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  Caryns sweet ride - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By caryn - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I love my new car, its sporty yet it has the additional seats in the back ,and it seats four rather comfortably.It is super fun to drive ,handles very well .Lots of storage spaces ,and double consoles which is great for the back seat travlers.

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  THE GREAT RX-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By JEFF FAULSTICH - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE MY RX-8 AND HAVE NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS TO SAY ABOUT IT. THE RIDE IS LIKE NO OTHER SPORTS CAR, AND THE SOUND OF THE RENESIS ENGINE JUST MAKES YOU WANT TO RUN THE CAR AS HARD AS YOU CAN. THE PERFECT 50/50 DITRUBUTION MAKES THE RX-8 JUST HUG THE GROUND AND CORNERS.

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  I love this Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By jcenghusen - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I was up in Seattle visiting my Mother (I live in California). I seen the lease price of zero down and $299 a month, and decided to check it out. I was not in the market for a new car, but after test driving it I fell in love. I bought it that day, ate the return airplane ticket and drove it home. The trip home was great (and fast). The car corners great, and has plenty of power. Its simply a great car.

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  u cant beat the rx8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By speedman - February 26 - 10:00 am

  i bought the car last month, after some very serious research. I analyzed the G35, 350Z, 2005 Mercedes 230 Kompressor, volvo S40 T5 and Audi A4. (i test drove all of them). Here is why the RX 8 is the best. The RX 8 combines, comfort (very smooth ride), performance (wait until you rev that thing to 8000+ rpm), value (great price for what u get), design (its just a beauty from every angle), and the most important it is unique, there is nothing out there like the RX8 you cant even compare the engine with other cars. let me put it this way, if you want to add fun to your day to day driving, the rx 8 is the car for you. if you want to be like everybody else the RX8 is not for u

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  Excellent value - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Nergal - February 17 - 12:40 am

  I have the pleasure of owning an 06 Shinka, & it is one of the best values around. Comfort, engine response, appearance, price and overall package cant be beat. Handles like a dream! Smooth M6. Gets more looks than my BMW did, and it costs much less to maintain. Great handling and convenience package offered in the Shinka.

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  Great Car -- but watch out for snow - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By patrick haugh - February 12 - 7:40 pm

  Superb car for the money. Interior fit and finish streets ahead of the 350Z. Smoothest acceleration youll ever experience. Handles wonderfully in dry and wet conditions. BUT the OEM tires (Bridgestone Potenzas) are useless with any amount of snow. If you drive anywhere where it snows, either get a set of all weather/snow tires or garage it. The combination of a tiny gas tank and high fuel consumption mean youll be refilling about every 260 miles.

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  Fun As Hell To Drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Kevin - February 12 - 12:26 pm

  Wow!! Ive had my RX-8 for about 3 months. Its the GT Pkg M/T. The only one Ive seen so far with the Blk/Red leather combo. When I first bought the car I took it down a very twisty 2 lane country highway and it cornered very precise. I was taking practically 90 degree turns at 65 mph with ease and control. The handling is perfect! The 50/50 weight distribution is wonderful. Love the sound of the rotary engine, my first. The body lines are beautiful and very aggressive looking. Onlookers are always commenting on how it looks. The interior is comfy. No rattles. Didnt buy the car based on cup holders. This is a true drivers car. It begs to be driven like it was built to do. The power is awesome.

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  I love my 8 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By DaveCM - February 8 - 4:06 pm

  I have been looking at the Mazda for the last couple of years. Along with the WRX STi, S2000, 350Z, and Audi TT. I couldnt fit into the TT, so I ended up with the Mazda because of the performance along with the fact that I can live with the car everyday (ruled out 350Z and S2000). I love the way it looks and drives. It is a car that I look forward to getting into and driving to work every day. The rotary is so much fun that I find myself reving it high just to hear it. I do wish it had a bit more low end power though. As far as people complaining about the snow, it is a powerful rear-wheel drive car! What do you expect?